Calan 80mg (Verapamil): Uses & Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Calan 80mg is a prescription medicine that contains verapamil hydrochloride. Verapamil hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat certain heart conditions. It may help to lower high blood pressure, relieve angina and control some irregular heartbeats. Verapamil affects the heart and blood vessels. You should use verapamil only as directed by your doctor.

What Is Calan 80mg?

Calan 80mg contains 80mg of the active ingredient verapamil hydrochloride. Verapamil is in the class of calcium channel blockers. It works by lessening the movement of calcium into certain heart and blood-vessel cells. It can also dilate blood vessels and slow electrical activity in the heart.

Searle Company markets Calan in 40- and 80-mg tablet strengths, and a sustained-release Calan SR in a different strength. The product information also indicates that Calan tablets should be sold on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

Uses Of Calan 80mg

Calan 80mg is indicated for the treatment of several cardiovascular conditions.

Elevated blood pressure

Calan can relax blood vessels, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure can decrease the load on the heart, thereby allowing better cardiovascular regulation.

Chest pain and angina

Angina is caused by the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Verapamil can help control angina. In the appropriate patients, verapamil can control angina by reducing the workload of the heart and by affecting the blood vessels.

Specific Heart Rhythm Disorders

Calan is also used to control certain abnormal heart rhythms. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows conduction through the AV node of the heart, which may be useful in the treatment of certain supraventricular arrhythmias.

What is Calan 80mg?

Calan mainly works by blocking calcium channels. This means that less calcium gets into some of the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This action can dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce the heart’s workload and slow some heart rhythms.

Thus, when patients take the drug regularly as directed, they may be able to better control their cardiovascular condition.

Dosage of Calan 80mg

Use Calan 80mg exactly as your doctor prescribes. The right dose depends on what you are being treated for, your age, your medical history, how you respond to treatment and other medicines you are taking.

Do not stop treatment suddenly or change the dose without medical advice. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Different verapamil preparations have different release characteristics. Use only the preparation prescribed for you and follow the instructions carefully.

Side Effects of Calan 80mg

Like all medicines, Calan may cause side effects. Common effects include:

• -Constipation
• Light-headedness
• Headaches
• Low blood pressure
• Bradycardia
• Swelling in the ankle or foot
• “Nausea or upset stomach

But serious symptoms need to be treated quickly. These can include fainting, a very slow heart rate, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing or symptoms suggestive of a serious heart problem.

Calan 80mg – Warnings

Before you take Calan, tell your doctor if you have heart failure, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, heart conduction problems, liver disease, or other significant medical conditions.

Also tell your doctor or chemist about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines and supplements. Verapamil can interact with other medicines so it is important that it is checked by a professional.

Verapamil may also interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Talk to your Healthcare professional about whether you should avoid it when taking your medicine.

Store Calan 80mg

Store Calan as directed on the product label. Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Searle product information recommends storage below 30°C and protection from sunlight and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Closing Thoughts

Calan 80mg is a verapamil medicine used to treat high blood pressure, angina and some heart rhythm disorders. It acts by blocking calcium channels, and it influences the blood vessels and the action of the heart. But patients should take Calan only under proper medical supervision because it directly affects cardiovascular function.

Always take the prescribed dose and talk to your doctor or chemist about potential side effects, interactions and any existing medical conditions before you start taking Calan 80mg.